Kath Boyne's dhäwu (story) Kath Boyne has dedicated 38 years to working alongside First Nations people across Australia, with a focus on training, employment, and community engagement. From Southern NSW to Northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, Kath’s career spans multiple roles and sectors. We’ve been lucky to have Kath as part of the ALPA team since 2012. Kath's career journey Kath began working with First Nations communities in 1988 with the Yuin people at Wallaga Lake, delivering accredited business training to support the development of a Tourism Aboriginal Cultural Centre. In 2012, Kath started with ALPA and played a pivotal role in our transition into the Community Services sector, writing the collaborative tender that secured the Milingimbi and Ramingining contracts for the Remote Jobs and Communities Program (RJCP). This program is now known as the Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) and was formerly the Community Development Program (CDP). Kath helped establish the Milingimbi RJCP office with Yolŋu staff and signed up over 450 jobseekers ahead of the government’s two-month deadline, outperforming providers nationally. She trained Yolŋu and balanda (non-Indigenous) staff across Milingimbi and Ramingining before moving to Cape York Employment to manage RJCP sites in Aurukun and Coen. Successfully launching and delivering RJCP was a strategic milestone for ALPA that highlighted our ability to deliver results and lead the way in the NT. In 2015, ALPA invited Kath back to Milingimbi to support the CDP team. For two years, she worked closely with the community, engaging over 80 job seekers daily in activities blending practical skills with culture - building bus shelters, clearing WWII planes, creating memorials, running gardens, and producing crafts. Monthly markets became a hub of creativity and economic opportunity, especially at Christmas when many balanda visitors bought Yolŋu crafts for their families. In 2017, Kath transitioned to Community Engagement across ALPA’s five member communities. Her work included relief CDP management, training staff, establishing a new CDP office, signing up caseloads and conducting research for future funding applications. "I want to give back by sharing what I’ve learned over the years to support First Nations people and genuinely serve Yolŋu and my colleagues with respect and commitment." says Kath. Community Engagement impact When asked to describe her role, Kath says it’s all about It’s about engaging in meaningful pathways with Yolŋu to empower their community and foster unity, while positively impacting their lives “engaging in meaningful pathways with Yolŋu to empower their community and foster unity, while having a positive impact on Yolŋu lives.”As a Community Engagement Officer, Kath’s work is diverse and spans multiple ALPA divisions. It includes facilitating meetings and consultations with community members, Traditional Owners and Leaders; mentoring staff in cross-cultural awareness and competencies; conducting research for future government tenders and funding; developing and delivering training workshops; clan mapping; trouble-shooting; mediation and conflict resolution. Kath believes a critical element of her role is building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and community members, which is essential for fostering trust, encouraging collaboration, and strengthening partnerships that support community development and ensure long-term success for everyone. One relationship strategy is the facilitation of Community Advisory Committees (CACs), made up of leaders and members nominated by clan and camp groups. CACs meet with ALPA staff to identify community priorities and work together to keep ALPA culturally responsive and aligned with local needs. "CAC meetings are highly engaging, and committee members are dedicated to supporting ALPA staff. This collaboration results in significant outcomes that enhance the value of ALPA departments" says Kath. Since 2013, Kath has supported Milingimbi’s Gattjirrk Festival - the longest-running remote cultural festival in Australia. A highlight for Kath and the Milingimbi community was Gattjirrk 2024, when Kath secured funding to bring the Gulaga Bungul Dancers from Wallaga Lake to Gattjirrk to share their songlines and bungul. For the first time, two Saltwater tribes, one from the far north and one from the far south, came together to share their cultures. Coming together in such a unique and special experience left a lasting impression of unity and shared pride amongst everyone who was there. ALPA Director Elizabeth Ganygulpa commented, “Gattjirrk Festival 2024 was very special! We honoured those who were important, and we listened to music that touched our hearts and, for some, healed our hearts! The sharing of cultures with the Gulaga Dancers was important and special. Gattjirrk 2024 brought joy and respect back into Milingimbi. Gattjirrk gives opportunities where we can build from each year!” One ALPA One Vision When asked about the most fulfilling parts of her role, Kath says: "Collaborating with ALPA divisions, One ALPA and One Vision. This focus ensures the best outcomes that benefit everyone, Yolŋu and ALPA. "Connecting Yolŋu and balanda (non-Indigenous) both professionally and personally, mentoring and supporting staff in navigating the unique challenges of working in remote communities, while bridging two very different cultures." Listening and learning from Yolŋu Working closely with Traditional Owners and community leaders, Kath's work often involves complex community challenges. "I strive to approach situations with respect and cultural sensitivity, learning from the wisdom of the Yolŋu, the world's oldest culture. I value their advice and guidance. I listen actively to have a sense of what the Yolŋu are thinking. Their culture is complex, with deep structure and tradition, making it challenging to grasp." Advice for anyone thinking about remote community work When asked what advice she would give to someone thinking about living and working in a remote First Nations community, Kath says: "I encourage you to ask yourself: Is one of your main reasons for working remotely a genuine desire to learn from the world’s oldest culture and share cultural experiences? Consistency, Kath says, is especially important and builds trust. “We need to be consistent, particularly in the work environment and how we approach situations.” She adds that from her experience, humility and active listening are key to working alongside Yolŋu. "If our intentions stem from integrity, honesty, and care, then genuine trust will be established, and relationships will strengthen." Manage Cookie Preferences